DecodedCars2018 Toyota Prius Prime
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Engines
- 1.8L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 96 hp
- Transmission
- CVT
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Plug-in Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 54 combined · 55 city / 53 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 54 MPG combined — 99% better than the average 2018 midsize car (27.2 MPG).
- Plug-in hybrid version availableOffered as a plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
- Few owner complaints16 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 117 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Modest powerUp to 96 hp, versus about 228 hp for similar 2018 models.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 27 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 Toyota Prius Prime is a midsize car offered with a 1.8L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 54 MPG combined (55 city / 53 highway), 99% better than the 2018 midsize car average of 27.2 MPG, for an estimated $1,250 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 16 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2018
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2017 Prius Prime — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 Prius Prime →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Toyota City, Aichi
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 2 2018 Prius Prime configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prius Prime Plug-in Hybrid | 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 55 / 53 / 54 | +99% | $1,250 | 78 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2018 Toyota Prius Prime.
Similar 2018 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Toyota Prius Prime (this car) | 54 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2018 Toyota Corolla | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Honda Civic | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2018 Toyota Camry | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 8 |
| 2018 Toyota Prius | 56 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2018 Mazda 3 | 32 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2018 Subaru Impreza | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2018 Toyota Prius Prime.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2018 Toyota Prius Prime is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Toyota Prius Prime buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 2 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Air Bags — 2 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Power Train — 2 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 15,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Toyota Prius Prime. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Prius Prime years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Prius Prime | 52 | – | ★★★★★ | 4 | 15 |
| 2023 Prius Prime | 52 | 178.7 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 6 |
| 2022 Prius Prime | 54 | 178.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 8 |
| 2021 Prius Prime | 54 | 178.7 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 10 |
| 2020 Prius Prime | 54 | 178.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 16 |
| 2019 Prius Prime | 54 | 178.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 9 |
| 2017 Prius Prime | 54 | – | Not rated | 0 | 42 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →